HISTORIC CONNECTIONS

Bringing the Past Alive...

Treasure Coins

A set of replica coins. These coins obtained from the Spaniards in exchange for rum, slaves and tobacco and from privateers who made the West Indies their ports, were readily accepted and circulated. At times the Island government allowed the issuance of full Spanish coins or cut pieces(halves, quarters, thirds and eighths) at pre-established local values as high as 50% over the intrinsic value. They were usually stamped with the identifying mark and valued in bits and dogs. The practice of over valuation encouraged illegal cutting, counter marking and forgery. Occasionally Island authorities removed standard shaped slugs from the centre of coins and circulated both pieces.

A great set to study the period of the West Indies and the varied use of coinage over history.

$19.95AUD plus P&H

Coins of Ancient Greece

A set of 6 coins from Ancient Greece - Pewter cast replicas.

$34.95AUD plus P&H

Coins of the Twelve Caesars

A set of 12 pewter cast coins of the Roman Emperors from Julius 44BC to Domitian 96AD.

$29.95AUD plus P&H

The development of coinage...

There are many references to the shekel and its components throughout ancient literature, particularly the Bible. There is seen the bekah (half shekel), pim (third shekel), rebah (quarter shekel), gerah (twentieth shekel) and the talent, however none of these in early time actually refers to actual coinage but rather to weights of particular precious metals.

Precious metals in early times were important components within a trading system, specifically as a form of barter. Many other items also fit into the barter category, ox, sheep, cows or in fact anything of value that was of surplus value to one person but of benefit to another. The talent itself was connected with an ox. The word we use today as "pecuniary" comes from the Latin pecus meaning cattle.

When in Babylon a shekel = 180 grains of Barley = one sixtieth of a mina or manah = one sixtieth of a talent.

As trade then increased as cities and civilisations grew a barter system was inconsistent and a more precise system was needed as a means of exchange, hence the use of precious metals. They would need to be weighed and and then agreed upon in order to have a fair and consistent form of exchange. But....how does one guarantee that the piece of precious metal you receive is consistent with that exchanged elsewhere? Official marks were imprinted on them to establish their accepted authenticity and so the stage was set for the first coins...

It is usually accepted that the first coins were produced by the Lydians around the 7th century BC made of electrum an alloy of silver and gold. They were stamped with the head of a lion.

Symbols such as an ox, turtle shell, olive sprig or cluster of grapes were early symbols used, and later images of gods and goddesses and eventually images of the rulers.

We have a range of replica coins from various civilisations. These make great educational aids both for the individual and the classroom. Our range is growing as we access new product ranges.

A coin set containing four replica coins based around the story of the Star of Bethlehem.

Coins included in this set are:

Governor Quirinius of Antioch

King Phraastes IV of Parthia

King Azes II of Bactria

King Aretas of Nabatea

$49.95AUD plus P&H Quote COINJACOBSET1

Christmas Collection

A coins et based around the Christmas story and the Three Wise Men.

Coins included are:

King Azes II of Bactria

King Phraates IV of Parthia

King Aretas IV of Nabataea

These coins come with a full description of each coin.

$49.95AUD plus P&H Quote CHRISTMASCOIN

New Testament Parables and Stories

A set of 8 coins based around the parables of the New testament.

Coins stories included are:

The labourers in the Vineyard

The Lost Coin

The Ten Gold Coins

The Good Samaritan

The Money changers in the Temple

The Widows Mite

The Coin in the Fish's Mouth

Caesar's Tribute Penny

These coins come with a full description.

$59.95AUD plus P&H QUOTE NTPARABLECOINS

Shekel 66-70AD

A replica coin of the 1st Jewish Revolt

$7.95AUD plus P&H

Lepton of Pontius Pilate

A single coin of Pontius Pilate prefect of Judea.

$7.95AUD plus P&H

Prague Groschen

A replica of a silver Coin "Dei GRatia Rex Boemie" By the Grace of God the King of Bohemia.

$7.95AUD plus P&H ONE COIN

Coin of Cleopatra VII

A single replica coin of Cleopatra c31BC

$7.95AUD plus P&H

Roman Coin Set - Invasion of Britain 4

A set of three Roman coin replicas:

The Dupondius of Hadrian 117-138AD

The Aureus of Claudius 41-54AD

The AS of Claudius 41-54AD

$14.95AUD plus P&H

Roman Coin Set - Invasion of Britain 1

A set of two coins:

Denarius of Casear

Gold Stater of Catuvellauni 45-20BC

$12.95AUD plus P&H

Silver Denarius of Titus

A pewter cast replica of a denarius of Titus 79-81AD

$7.95AUD plus P&H

Leather Coin Satchel

A leather satchel to hold you ancient coins.

$7.95AUD plus P&H COINS NOT INCLUDED.

The History of Money

You walk into the shop, you hand over a few dollars, the shopkeeper gives you the products and off you go..........a simple transaction, but where did it all start? What are the origins of the money that rattles around in our pockets and purses?Click here for a word document and here for a pdf.